The Cost of the Crown: Royal Errors That Changed History

Throughout history, the decisions and missteps of monarchs have profoundly influenced the course of nations and the world. From the establishment of new religions to the outbreak of wars, royal choices have left indelible marks on history. This article explores pivotal moments where royal errors reshaped the trajectory of civilisations, highlighting the immense responsibility and far-reaching consequences of wielding the crown.

1. King Edward VIII’s Abdication for Love

In 1936, King Edward VIII’s desire to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcée, led to a constitutional crisis. As head of the Church of England, Edward’s proposed marriage was deemed unacceptable due to the Church’s prohibition against remarriage of divorced individuals with living ex-spouses. Facing opposition from the British government and the Church, Edward chose love over duty, becoming the first British monarch to voluntarily abdicate. His brother, Prince Albert, Duke of York, succeeded him as King George VI. (history.com)

2. Napoleon’s Failed Russian Campaign

In 1812, Napoleon Bonaparte’s invasion of Russia marked a pivotal turning point in European history. Commanding the Grande Armée, he advanced with over 600,000 soldiers, aiming to compel Tsar Alexander I to adhere to the Continental System. The Russian forces employed a scorched-earth strategy, retreating and destroying resources to deprive the invaders of supplies. Upon reaching Moscow, Napoleon found the city abandoned and set ablaze, leaving his army without shelter or provisions. The onset of a harsh winter further decimated the French forces, leading to a catastrophic retreat. By December 1812, fewer than 100,000 soldiers remained, with the majority lost to combat, disease, starvation, and the brutal cold. This devastating campaign not only shattered Napoleon’s military dominance but also galvanized European nations to form the Sixth Coalition, ultimately leading to his downfall. (The Napoleon Series.)

3. The ‘Wicked Bible’ Printing Error

In 1631, English royal printers Robert Barker and Martin Lucas published an edition of the King James Bible that became infamous for a significant typographical error. In Exodus 20:14, the word “not” was omitted from the commandment, transforming it from “Thou shalt not commit adultery” to “Thou shalt commit adultery.” This oversight led to the Bible being nicknamed the “Wicked Bible.” Upon discovery, King Charles I ordered the recall and destruction of most copies, and the printers were fined £300 and stripped of their printing licenses. Today, only a few copies of this rare edition remain in existence. (museumofthebible.org).

4. The ‘Tour de Nesle’ Affair

In 1314, a scandal erupted within the French royal family, known as the ‘Tour de Nesle’ affair. Margaret, Blanche, and Joan, daughters-in-law of King Philip IV, were accused of adultery with knights Philippe and Gautier d’Aunay. The illicit meetings allegedly took place at the Tour de Nesle, a guard tower on the Seine River in Paris. The affair led to the imprisonment of the princesses and the execution of their lovers, severely damaging the Capetian dynasty’s reputation. This scandal contributed to the eventual downfall of the Capetian dynasty and the onset of the Hundred Years’ War. (nationalgeographic.com).

5. Marie Antoinette’s Portrait Controversy

In 1783, Queen Marie Antoinette commissioned artist Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun to paint her in a simple white muslin dress, known as a “chemise à la reine.” This attire, reminiscent of an undergarment, was intended to project a more relatable image of the queen. However, the portrait, titled “Marie Antoinette in a Chemise Dress,” sparked public outrage. Critics deemed the depiction inappropriate for a monarch, and the use of imported cotton instead of French silk was seen as unpatriotic. The backlash led to the painting’s removal from the Salon exhibition, and Vigée Le Brun quickly created a new portrait featuring the queen in formal attire. (fashionhistory.fitnyc.edu).

6. The Death of Ivan the Terrible’s Son

In 1581, Tsar Ivan IV of Russia, known as Ivan the Terrible, struck his son, Tsarevich Ivan Ivanovich, in a fit of rage, leading to the son’s death and the weakening of the Russian monarchy. On November 15, 1581, Ivan IV chastised his daughter-in-law, Yelena Sheremeteva, for her attire during her advanced pregnancy. This led to a confrontation between father and son, during which Ivan IV fatally struck Tsarevich Ivan Ivanovich in the head with his scepter. The incident resulted in the death of Tsarevich Ivan Ivanovich on November 19, 1581. This tragic event left Ivan IV’s son, Feodor Ivanovich, to inherit the throne. However, Feodor’s reign was marked by ineffectiveness, leading to the eventual downfall of the Rurikid dynasty and the onset of the Time of Troubles in Russia. (Gateway to Russia.)

7. The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and his wife, Sophie, were assassinated in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist. This event set off a chain reaction: Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, leading Russia to mobilize in defense of Serbia. Germany declared war on Russia, and France, allied with Russia, was drawn into the conflict. Germany’s invasion of Belgium prompted Britain to declare war on Germany. These alliances escalated a regional dispute into a global conflict, marking the beginning of World War I. (history.com).

8. The British Royal Family’s Failure to Save the Romanovs

In 1917, Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, a first cousin to King George V of Britain, was overthrown during the Russian Revolution. Despite their familial ties, the British royal family declined to offer asylum to the Romanovs. King George V, influenced by public sentiment and the ongoing World War, believed that harboring the Russian royal family could be seen as unpatriotic, especially since Tsarina Alexandra was of German descent. This decision led to the Romanovs’ imprisonment and, in July 1918, their execution by Bolsheviks, marking the end of the Russian monarchy. (history.com).

9. The ‘Penny Crowning’ of Queen Victoria

In 1838, Queen Victoria’s coronation was a grand affair, marked by three state balls, two court receptions, a drawing room, a state concert, and a public procession to Westminster Abbey. The total expenditure for the event was £69,000, approximately £6.2 million in today’s money. This lavish spending contrasted sharply with the frugality of her predecessor, William IV, whose 1831 coronation was so austere that it was nicknamed the ‘Penny Coronation’. (bbc.co.uk).

10. The ‘Great Debasement’ of Henry VIII

In the 1540s, King Henry VIII initiated the ‘Great Debasement’ to fund his costly wars with France and Scotland. This policy involved reducing the precious metal content in English coinage, substituting gold and silver with cheaper base metals like copper. By 1544, the silver content in coins had decreased from over 90% to just 25%, leading to inflation and economic instability. The debased coins often wore quickly, exposing the copper beneath, earning Henry the nickname ‘Old Coppernose’. The economic repercussions of this debasement persisted until reforms were implemented in the 1560s. (historyhit.com).

11. The Rejection of Queen Maria Eleonora’s Daughter

Queen Maria Eleonora of Sweden’s disappointment at the birth of her daughter, Christina, led to emotional neglect that affected Christina’s health and development. After the death of her husband, King Gustavus Adolphus, Maria Eleonora’s grief intensified, resulting in further isolation for Christina. Recognizing the detrimental impact of Maria Eleonora’s behavior, the Swedish regency council removed her from custody of Christina in 1636, assigning her to live in seclusion at Gripsholm Castle. Despite these challenges, Christina received a comprehensive education, preparing her to ascend the throne as Queen Christina of Sweden. (History of Royal Women).